Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, learning how to make classic cocktails is both fun and rewarding.
Join us as we share 24 classic cocktails that every aspiring bartender should master!
Impress your friends and elevate your home bar with these 24 timeless cocktail recipes!
1. Martini
The Martini is a renowned cocktail featuring gin and vermouth as its core ingredients. Best served chilled and garnished with either an olive or a twist of lemon.
Recipe
- Mix 75ml gin and 15ml dry vermouth in a mixing glass with ice
- Stir, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with a lemon twist or olive
2. Mojito
Originating in Cuba, the Mojito is a refreshing and minty cocktail that has gained widespread popularity. Its ingredients make it a perfect combination of sweetness and freshness.
Recipe
- Mix 4 lime wedges and 6 mint leaves with 2 tsp sugar in a glass
- Add ice, pour in 60ml white rum, and top with soda water
- Stir and garnish with a mint sprig
3. Old Fashioned
As one of the oldest known cocktails, the Old Fashioned is a cocktail that’s steeped in tradition and flavour.
Recipe
- Add sugar with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of water in a glass
- Add ice and 60ml bourbon or rye whisky
- Stir well, then garnish with an orange twist and a cherry
4. Negroni
The Negroni is a cocktail that’s perfect for lovers of complex flavours. Its blend of gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth makes it perfect for sipping on a warm evening.
Recipe
- Mix equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice
- Stir, then strain into a chilled glass over ice
- Garnish with an orange twist
5. Daiquiri
A simple yet delightful combination of white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup that provides a refreshing citrus flavour with a smooth finish.
Recipe
- Shake 60ml white rum, 20ml fresh lime juice, and 15ml simple syrup with ice
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wheel
6. Margarita
With its origins tracing back to Mexico, Margarita has become a beloved cocktail worldwide. Tangy, salty, and irresistibly delicious, the Margarita is a classic cocktail that’s perfect for any feast.
Recipe
- Shake 60ml tequila, 30ml lime juice, and 15ml triple sec with ice
- Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice and garnish with a lime wedge
7. Manhattan
The Manhattan is a classic cocktail believed to have originated in the 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City. It creates a rich and balanced flavour profile, perfect for sipping on a cosy evening.
Recipe
- Stir 60ml rye whisky, 30ml sweet vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters with ice
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a cherry
8. Moscow Mule
Bold, refreshing, and irresistibly spicy. Its blend of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice served in a copper mug is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Recipe
- Fill a copper mug with ice, then add 60ml vodka and the juice of half a lime
- Top with ginger beer and stir gently
- Garnish with a lime wheel
9. Singapore Sling
This iconic cocktail is known for its exotic blend of flavours and vibrant presentation. It has become a symbol of tropical indulgence and sophistication.
Recipe
- Shake 45ml gin, 15ml cherry liqueur, 7.5ml Cointreau, 7.5ml Benedictine, 60ml pineapple juice, 22.5ml lime juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters with ice
- Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a cherry and orange slice
10. Sicilian Sling
The Sicilian Sling is a modern twist on the classic Singapore Sling, infused with the rich flavours of herbal liqueur.
With its blend of gin, Averna Amaro, cherry liqueur, lemon juice, and soda water, this cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweetness and bitterness that also can be paired with delicious dishes.
Recipe
- Shake 45ml gin, 30ml Averna Amaro, 15ml cherry liqueur, and 15ml fresh lemon juice with ice
- Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with soda water
- Garnish with a cherry and a lemon twist
11. Tom Collins
Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a night out with friends, the Tom Collins is sure to quench your thirst and lift your spirits.
Recipe
- Shake 60ml gin, 30ml fresh lemon juice, and 15ml simple syrup with ice
- Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice, top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon wheel
12. Whisky Sour
This cocktail strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet, making it a favourite among whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail lovers.
Recipe
- Shake 60ml Macallan, 30ml fresh lemon juice, and 15ml simple syrup with ice
- Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a cherry and an orange slice
13. Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan, often referred to as the “Cosmo,” is a cocktail renowned for its striking pink colour and refreshing taste.
Recipe
- Combine 75ml vodka, 30ml cranberry juice, 15ml triple sec, and 15ml fresh lime juice in a shaker with ice
- Shake well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with a lime twist
14. Pina Colada
This classic cocktail will transport you to a sun-soaked beach with every sip! Its creamy coconut base and tropical pineapple flavour is the epitome of a holiday in a glass.
Recipe
- Blend 60ml rum, 60ml coconut cream, and 120ml pineapple juice with crushed ice until smooth
- Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry
15. Sidecar
Originating from the early 20th century, Sidecar’s tangy citrus kick and smooth cognac base make it a cocktail with unmatched sophistication.
Recipe
- Shake 60ml cognac, 22.5ml triple sec, and 22.5ml fresh lemon juice with ice
- Strain into a sugar-rimmed glass and garnish with a lemon twist
16. Gin and Tonic
Simple yet refreshing, the classic G&T is also considered as one of the healthiest alcoholic drinks.
With its crisp gin botanicals and sparkling tonic water, it’s a cocktail that has been enjoyed for generations.
Recipe
- Pour 60ml gin and 120ml tonic water over ice in a highball glass
- Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge
17. White Russian
With its blend of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream, this classic cocktail is as indulgent as it is iconic.
Recipe
- Pour 60ml vodka and 30ml coffee liqueur over ice in a glass
- Top with 30ml heavy cream and stir gently
18. Tequila Sunrise
The bright and colourful Tequila Sunrise is a cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
With its layers of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, this classic drink captures the essence of a vibrant sunrise, making it a favourite for celebrations and special occasions.
Recipe
- Fill a highball glass with ice, then pour in 60ml tequila and 120ml orange juice
- Slowly pour in 15ml grenadine to create the sunrise effect
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry
19. French 75
Named after a powerful World War I artillery piece, the Fresh 75 is a beautiful blend of gin, champagne, lemon juice, and sugar.
It creates a perfect balance of flavours, whether enjoyed as an aperitif or a festive toast.
Recipe
- Shake 45ml gin, 20ml fresh lemon juice, and 15ml simple syrup with ice
- Strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne
- Garnish with a lemon twist
20. Mint Julep
A Southern classic, the Mint Julep is a refreshing bourbon-based cocktail perfect for warm summer days.
Recipe
- Add a few sprigs of fresh mint with 15ml simple syrup in a julep cup
- Fill the cup with crushed ice, add 60ml bourbon, and stir gently
- Garnish with a mint sprig
21. Bloody Mary
This bold cocktail is perfect for brunch or any time you need a pick-me-up. Its mix of ingredients creates a flavourful and satisfying drink that’s sure to please.
Recipe
- Mix 45ml vodka, 90ml tomato juice, 15ml fresh lemon juice, 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce, 2 dashes of hot sauce, a pinch of salt and pepper, and ice in a shaker
- Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with celery, olives, and a lemon wedge
22. Mai Tai
Originating from the shores of Polynesia, the Mai Tai is a perfect drink for beachside sipping and sunset gatherings.
Recipe
- Shake 60ml rum, 20ml lime juice, 15ml orange liqueur, and 10ml orgeat syrup with ice
- Strain into a glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig and lime wheel
23. Aperol Spritz
Light, bubbly, and undeniably refreshing, the Aperol Spritz is a cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.
Recipe
- Fill a glass with ice and add 60ml Aperol
- Top with 90ml prosecco and a splash of soda water
- Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice
24. Paloma
Bright, citrusy, and delightfully refreshing. The Paloma is a tequila-based cocktail that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Recipe
- Fill a glass with ice and add 60ml tequila and 30ml fresh lime juice
- Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently
- Garnish with a lime wedge
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